Word
引き返す
Meaning in Englishto turn back, to go back, reverse
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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Word context
What it means
引き返す means to turn back or reverse course; it covers physically returning along a route as well as metaphorically reconsidering or withdrawing from a plan or statement in everyday usage.
Main meanings
- Physical turning back during travel or movement, returning to the origin.
- Metaphorical reversal of plans, decisions, or commitments, i.e., backing out or reconsidering.
- In transportation contexts, a vehicle or service returning to its point of origin or reversing direction.
How to use it
Used for both literal and figurative turning back. In casual and formal speech, it describes changing direction on a journey as well as reconsidering a plan or statement; common with particles like 道を, 途中で, or in contexts involving travel, logistics, or decisions.
Variants and close terms
- 逆戻りする (gyaku-modori suru) — revert, go back
- 戻る (modoru) — to return; to go back
- 進む (susumu) — go forward (antonym)
Composition
- 引く: to pull, draw
- 返す: to return, give back
- 引き返す: combined meaning is to pull back and return, i.e., to turn back or reverse course
Word class
verb (godan)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N2
引き出す
hikidasu
to pull out, to take out, to withdraw
N2
引き止める
hikitomeru
to keep back, to prevent, to hold back
N2
引分け
hikiwake
a draw (in competition), tie game
N2
引き分け
hikiwake
draw (in competition), tie game
N2
引っ掛かる
hikkakaru
to be caught in, to be stuck in
N2
引っ越し
hikkoshi
moving (dwelling, office, etc.), changing residence
N2
引っ込む
hikkomu
to draw back, to sink, to cave in
N2
割引
waribiki
discount
N3
引退
intai
retirement, withdrawal
Kanji